Work on reed clearance in Rail Ditch
In recent weeks we have carried out work in area 2, specifically on the reed bed. We annually cut back a roughly 3m x 50m stretch on the landward side of the reed bed. This is done to allow park visitors the chance to see what can be a shy skulking bird. Water Rails are only winter visitors to the park normally turning up around the end of October. The first birds began visiting in 2005. Once they became regulars to the Old Boathouse reed bed, I took measures to improve the site. This included expanding it on two occasions.In 2007 the Rail Ditch was the full width of the reed bed so cutting it back during the winter months would have left the birds with nowhere to shelter. I managed to convince the then Park Manger that it would be a big benefit to wildlife if we could enlarge it. He agreed and that project went a head. We sourced some of the plants from an ecological park in south east London. After that first years growth we were able to cut down 50% which is what we now call the Rail Ditch. Then in 2010 we extended even further, making a larger area of reeds at the eastern end. I then had the idea that it would be great if we could feed these birds during the winter month's. I used an old dog carrying cage that I made a few slight alterations to so that it allowed the Rails to walk through but prevented larger species i.e Egyptian Geese, Mallards and Moorhens from entering. That cage was replaced by a new model this year and at least 2 birds have been seen entering it. Not at the same time as the birds can be very territorial.We believe that at the moment there are 3 birds present in the reed beds at the north western end of the lake. The Wetland Pen has had at least one bird visiting the reed bed for the past 3 years but viewing is not so easy.
In recent weeks we have carried out work in area 2, specifically on the reed bed. We annually cut back a roughly 3m x 50m stretch on the landward side of the reed bed. This is done to allow park visitors the chance to see what can be a shy skulking bird. Water Rails are only winter visitors to the park normally turning up around the end of October. The first birds began visiting in 2005. Once they became regulars to the Old Boathouse reed bed, I took measures to improve the site. This included expanding it on two occasions.In 2007 the Rail Ditch was the full width of the reed bed so cutting it back during the winter months would have left the birds with nowhere to shelter. I managed to convince the then Park Manger that it would be a big benefit to wildlife if we could enlarge it. He agreed and that project went a head. We sourced some of the plants from an ecological park in south east London. After that first years growth we were able to cut down 50% which is what we now call the Rail Ditch. Then in 2010 we extended even further, making a larger area of reeds at the eastern end. I then had the idea that it would be great if we could feed these birds during the winter month's. I used an old dog carrying cage that I made a few slight alterations to so that it allowed the Rails to walk through but prevented larger species i.e Egyptian Geese, Mallards and Moorhens from entering. That cage was replaced by a new model this year and at least 2 birds have been seen entering it. Not at the same time as the birds can be very territorial.We believe that at the moment there are 3 birds present in the reed beds at the north western end of the lake. The Wetland Pen has had at least one bird visiting the reed bed for the past 3 years but viewing is not so easy.
Before work commenced.
DJ was clearing away the reeds that I had cut down with a long handled hedge cutter.
The amphibian pond is open and awaiting a Common or Jack Snipe.
The new feeding station is further away from the Blue Bridge viewing point. This is because we usually have one bird that moves between the horse shoe reed bed just across the narrow channel from the Rail Ditch and another bird that favours the reeds just beyond the feeder.
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